33 weeks = 8 months = a honeydew!

 

My ticker says 48 days to go until Gabrielle's due date - 48 days - that's about 7 weeks from now - so close, yet so far away!  I don't even know where to begin.. I am so in love with being pregnant, especially because I know this will likely be my last pregnancy (notice I didn't say last child.. yes, I'd love to adopt one day.. that's an entirely different post though!) - but I am so ready to be done with this pregnancy at the same time.  I know I only have to stick it out for a few more weeks (I will be full term in 4 weeks - gasp!)  and I am sure I will miss feeling her kick around in my tummy.  Work is becoming more of a challenge because I cannot seem to find a comfortable position at my desk but the constant up and down causes uncomfortable cramping.  I really do want to try and work as long as I can because I'd like to save as much of my leave for after she arrives.  My coworkers are great and have been very understanding when I am irritated or not feeling well.  My hubby has also been amazing - he's such a great guy and an awesome father - our kids are so so so lucky to have him, and so am I!!  (brownie points, now take me to Texas.Roadhouse!!)

We had our first scare last night - I had to finally break down and call the doctor, luckily we didn't have to go to the hospital.  Hope I don't gross anyone out but here's what happened - I was having trouble getting comfortable on the sofa with Gavin, having a hard time breathing and was so hot.  Steven let me lay down and about one minute later I was running to the bathroom to vomit.  After a few good rounds of vomit my body told me I needed to poo and I needed to poo now.  This continued for about 45 minutes - pooing and vomiting - and when I would vomit I would contract and my heart would race - the contractions were not extremely painful but enough that they were irritating and bothersome.  I called the doctor's office and waited about 15-20 minutes for someone to call me back, all while continuing my above mentioned activities.  Finally about an hour and 10 minutes into it I began feeling better and was actually able to leave the bathroom, although my contractions continued.  The nurse called back and said what I figured she would - dehydration can cause contractions and I need to try and hydrate myself but if I am unable to hold down fluids and am still contracting at a higher rate over the next 2 hours then I should go in to be monitored.  Thankfully, after putting Gav to bed, I was able to sit down on the sofa, turn on Monday.Night.Football, drink water, munch on ice and just calm down.  It was definitely super scary and extremely gross, praise God it was nothing too major!

33 week quiz:

How far along: 33 weeks 1 day

Weight gain: + 25 pounds - average weight gain at this point is between 22 and 28 pounds so I guess I shouldn't feel too fat :o)

Stretch marks: yes - I can do nothing else but embrace them - and lather them with lotion every night and every morning!

Any new baby items: not since last week, but I am hoping to go shopping very soon for her newborn photo outfit and her coming home outfit - Gav wore the same for both so maybe that's what we will do with her too.

Any new maternity items: no, although I am noticing my shirts are getting smaller and don't cover my belly nearly as well as they had before - do you think my boss would be okay with me wearing my Boston Red Sox 2007 World Series Champs hoodie to work every day for the next 4-7 weeks?!!

Sleep: hasn't been too bad lately - other than the awful heartburn/indigestion (thank goodness for tums!) and peeing every few hours

Gender: team pink :o)

Labor signs: see long/gross story above.

Belly button in or out: completely flat - sticks out when I sit down 

Movement: she is actually dancing away as I type this - I need to try and get another video of her moving, it's so amazing!!

Food cravings: ice chips, Pepsi slushies, and yes, still Texas.Roadhouse!

Best moment of the week: having Gavin and Steven at my doctor appointment (they haven't missed one yet!) and having them get to be involved with feeling Gummy Bear, hearing her heartbeat and listening to Gavin's heartbeat - so fun!

What I miss: being able to sit comfortably, putting my socks on and tying my shoes, shaving my legs without having to take a break every 5 seconds, painting my toenails, sleeping on my tummy and my back, having energy, walking normal (yes, I am starting to get that pregnant waddle!), having a beer while I watch football.. ah, my time will come ;o)

What I'm looking forward to: finding a couple special outfits for Gabrielle for her photos and her first trip home, having off on Friday for Gavin's costume parade at school then trick.or.treat Friday night and continuing to prepare for our lovely little lady!!

Weekly wisdom: take lots of photos - even of silly things - nothing can replace those special times with family and friends.

Milestones: For all the weight and bulk you’re lugging around these days, you’d think your little champ should weigh much more than a mere 5 lbs and measly 17 inches in height, but nope, that’s about the average size for a baby in its thirty-third week. In terms of appearances, they’re getting cuter and pudgier every minute as they pile on the baby fat for those adorable little wrist rolls and chubby toes. And as we’re sure you’ve already noticed they’re getting stronger with every passing day. Nowadays, it’s possible to observe a well-placed kick just by watching your belly—but you already knew that didn’t you? Although they’re getting stronger, your bigger-by-the-day baby is losing space to move around, so the actual rate of movement will drop off in the last few weeks, despite that powerful drop-kick they’ve been working on.

 

32 week DR visit recap.

I know this is late, I apologize.. it's been a very stressful week.  We have a terrible situation occurring at work that has consumed most of my thought, both at work and at home, which is never good.  My doctor visit on Thursday went well, uneventful which is always good.. here's a recap -

Urine: no trace of protein, no trace of glucose

Blood pressure: 105/63

Weight: I have now gained 25 lbs and likely have another 7 or so to go..

Heartbeat: her heartbeat was strong and in the 140's

Questions: I asked the nurse about my cramping/contractions.. she stated that if I am well hydrated and have 4 to 6 in an hour then I should call the office.. this has happened a few times but I've never called because it never amounts to anything.  I need to start paying better attention and actually focusing on frequency - and I need to drink more water!  She stated that it's very common for women in their 2nd pregnancy (or 3rd or 4th or 19th!) to feel about a month further along then what they really are, so if I am feeling like I am full term it's not abnormal.  It was nice to hear this because I have been feeling closer to full term with the pain and the discomfort but thought I was just being a baby considering I am only 32 weeks along.. thanks Emily for making me feel a little better about myself!  She also told me it's fine for me to continue lifting Gavin - I was getting worried that they may tell me I am no longer allowed to lift him but she said it's fine.

Next appointment: Wednesday November 4th @ 11:35 a.m. - I am hoping Steven will be up for getting some lunch after the appointment.  After my 34 week appointment I go again at 36 weeks then we go every week.. wow!

Belly measurement: I am measuring right at 32 weeks :o)

Midwife: We actually saw a nurse practitioner today, Emily, and she was extremely nice.  She took the time to answer all of my questions and even got Gavin and Steven involved in the appointment.  Emily was feeling my tummy to see the baby's position (she is currently head down with her back to the left side of my tummy and her feet and arms tucked in on the right side) and she had Steven get up and feel Gummy Bear's back and butt.. it was pretty neat!!  She also had Gavin help her with the tape measure, then after she listened to the baby's heartbeat, which Gavin LOVES, she listened to Gavin's heart, he was such a happy boy!!  It was so cool to have them involved in the appointment, I definitely appreciated that.

I just have to say that dispite the discomforts and pain I am so so so grateful for this amazing blessings and continue to fall more in love with this little lady each day.  I absolutely cannot wait to see her face but I know she needs to do a little more cooking in there :o)

32 weeks!

The ticker says 55 days until Gummy Bear's due date - wahooo!!  I am still feeling uncomfortable and tired all the time - sadly I don't think that's going to change at this point.  The contractions and cramping have continued but I'm hoping they're just because my uterus is growing and so is the baby.  I will be asking about them (and a few other things) when I visit the doctor on Thursday!

I did a little cleaning/organizing/rearranging in Gabrielle's room this weekend.  Steven got the valances put up and they look so pretty :o)  We really don't have any other decor for the nursery yet (crib mattress, crib set, lamp, rug, etc.) so there isn't much more we can do in her room until we get those items.

Gummy Bear has been getting the hiccups a lot more lately.. they feel so funny!!  I'm glad to know they don't bother or hurt her at all.

32 week quiz:

How far along: 32 weeks 1 day

Weight gain: not exactly sure - I will know on Thursday - likely + 23 or 24 pounds

Stretch marks: yep - they are starting to be visible in the weekly belly photos - boo!

Any new baby items: yes - I bought a few items and so did my mom -

I bought her this onesie and a pack of socks because she didn't have any socks yet!!  My mom bought her an adorable brown and purple outfit from Tar.get and this blanket that I am head over heals in love with!!

Any new maternity clothes: I bought a red long sleeve t-shirt from Kohls for $7.00!

Sleep: getting more difficult - I can't seem to stay asleep for longer than an hour - then it takes me forever to fall back asleep (we've had some stressful stuff going on at work so I think this anxiety/stress may be playing in to this too) - still taking potty trips about 3 times a night

Gender: girl!!!

Best moment of the week: Steven putting up her valances and getting her bassinet put together :o)  My mom buying her the blanket that I have been awwwing over for the past 2 months!!

Labor signs: Not true labor signs (at least I don't think.) - but these cramps and braxton hicks contractions are certainly annoying!!

Belly button in or out: it's basically flat but does stick out when I am sitting or if I eat too much!

Movement: oh yes, this little chick moves around like crazy - for now - she is soon going to start running out of room :o)

Food cravings: stillll really really really want Texas.Roadhouse - and I have been seriously craving a pepsi slushy for the past week - I've gone to get one 4 times and only once has the pepsi flavor been working - grrr!

What I miss: energy, peaceful/restful sleep, not feeling like I am going to pee my pants every 15 minutes, energy!

What I'm looking forward to: my doctor appointment on Thursday; Halloween next weekend and taking Gavin aka Spiderman trick-or-treating for the first time; Thanksgiving; little Gummy Bear's arrival; completing her nursery (eventually!)

Weekly wisdom: I'm fresh out of "wisdom" so I will simply encourage everyone to "treat others the way you want to be treated" - I have been reminded of this numerous times the past couple of days...

Milestones: By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds, pick up a large jicama and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

 

 

 

31 weeks = just call me Slim!

 

 

Yuck, blah, yuck, blah!  I feel huge and uncomfortable - everyone keeps telling me I look tiny - thank you! - but I still feel huge.  It's hard to believe that we are already 31 weeks along.. where in the world has the time gone.. can you believe it's already been 9 weeks since we found out Gummy Bear is a girl.. I only have 9 weeks left until my due date.. that's insane!!  I don't want to jinx anything but I have a funny feeling little Gabrielle will be here before her due date.. not too early.. certainly after I hit 37 weeks.. but I don't think it will be much after that.  Maybe I will be totally wrong and she won't make her debut until week 41 (oh I hope not!) but I just have a hunch.

We haven't done anything more to her room since last week - her wonderful Daddy and big brother put her bassinet together tonight while I worked late!  I got emotional when I walked into her room and saw it all put together - I was emotional because I couldn't believe my baby bean used to fit in there and because I cannot believe his baby sister will be using it in a couple of months - wow!! I think this weekend we may get to organizing some things around the house to make room for her pack-n-play, which we will keep downstairs in the living room and her bassinet, which will go upstairs in our bedroom.  Steven and I stayed in the living room for a few weeks with Gavin - mainly because I wasn't supposed to use the stairs much and because we were much closer to the kitchen when Gav wanted a bottle.  We will probably do the same this time around - but if I can/do breastfeed then we may move upstairs a little sooner than last time.. I guess we will just wait and see how things go!

31 week quiz:

How far along: 31 weeks 1 day

Weight gain: + 23 - 24 pounds

Stretch marks: yes, enough said!

Sleep: peeing in the middle of the night is becoming much more annoying than it was before :o)  I am definitely tired all the time but I guess I need to get used to that feeling - it will be that way for the next 18 years or so!

Any new maternity items: not lately.

Any new baby items: no, but I did see the most adorable hat at Children's Place - I know it's plain but it's just so freakin' cute!!

Movement: oh yes, this little lady is moving all over the place - and she has found my ribs - oh joy!

Gender: girl!! - hope that hasn't changed or Gummy Bear will not be happy with his pink room :o)

Labor signs: not actual labor signs but I've definitely been in a lot of pain the past week or so - the braxton hicks contractions are painful at times and I have cramps pretty frequently - I am assuming it's all normal stuff - but I'm going to talk with the doctor about it a little more at my next appointment.

Belly button in or out: out more this week than I've noticed before - kinda funny looking!!

Best moment of the week: watching Gavin build his baby sister a bunny :o)  (I promise to post about this soon!!)

What I miss: I'm always so boring with this question - same stuff - sleeping on my tummy, exercising and sweating like crazy (I loved that yucky sweaty feeling after a good run!) and I'd really love to have a strawberry daiquiri!!

Food cravings: yep, boring, again - Texas Roadhouse - I will get there before I'm the size of a house!!

What I'm looking forward to: getting more things ready for Gabrielle's arrival and my doctor appointment next week (hopefully I can get some answers about these awful pains!

Weekly Wisdom: not really wisdom - but I do have to say that I am feeling so incredibly blessed and grateful for my handsome son and this amazing little lady in my tummy.  I do know some people that read this blog may not be Christians so I don't want to offend anyone but I just need to praise the Lord for his rich blessing!! (how did we ever get so lucky?!?!)

Milestones: This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds, try carrying four navel oranges and is heading into a growth spurt.  She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin.  She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

 

 

 

still think I look tiny?!?!!

*stay tuned for a post about our fun weekend!

30 week DR visit recap!

Urine: no trace of protein & no trace of glucose

Blood pressure: 107/63

Weight: up another 1.5 pounds

Heartbeat: 160 beats per minute :o)

Questions: she explained that my cramping/painful braxton hicks are normal (then gave me a big word as to why they are normal that I don't remember!) but I should not be having more than 5 in an hour - if I do I need to call the doctor right away.

Next appointment: Thursday, October 22, 2009 @ 7:40 a.m.

Test results: like I shared before I do NOT have gestational diabetes - my glucose level was actually at 67 and their cutoff is 140 so I was way under, which makes me happy!!

Midwife: the midwife I saw today, Jana, was VERY helpful and very nice - I really felt like she was genuinely interested in my concerns and really took the time to meet with us!
I posted a video of Gabrielle's heartbeat today at the doctor - you may need to turn your volume up - it's hard to hear - but is beating away at 160 bpm!!!

30 weeks = YIKES!!!

Here is a video I took tonight of Gabrielle moving - don't pay attention to any background noise or my heavy breathing - just watch my tummy moving :o)  It's not constant throughout the video so you have to pay attention - enjoy!!

30 weeks = definitely feeling pregnant = tired, sick, hormonal, uncomfortable, thankful!  I know I've said it before but it's really starting to hit me.  I can't get up without assistance, I can't sit for a long period of time without getting super uncomfortable, I can't stand without getting uncomfortable - and I have "at least" 7 weeks left - but I know I can do it!!  I'm trying to be as positive as possible and not complain too much but it does get diffcult after a while.  I am so incredibly grateful and thankful and excited about this little lady that I don't want all the negative, yucky pregnancy stuff to get in the way of me enjoying what will most likely be my last 2 months of ever having a little person inside my tummy!  Pregnancy, for me, is definitely 100 times easier without a toddler - I don't know how women have 3,4,5 kids and are pregnant again - man I'd be a mess!  

Gabrielle's room is painted and we have moved furniture around so now all the furniture, except the rocker, are in her room and almost ready!  I have tons of packing/organizing to do - and we still don't really have much for her nursery (mattress, crib set, lamp, valance etc.) - so there isn't much to do in her room except the packing/organizing right now.  But I have to say I LOVE the pink paint - my hubby did an awesome job picking it out and painting it all - I just love walking out of my bedroom, looking into hers and seeing pink :o)

Gavin is still stuck on School Bus Spiderman and his "sisser's" name - it's just too funny!  He actually does say Gabrielle very well, and it always makes me smile to hear him say it :o)  He's going to be such a good big brother, but I can't help to feel bad for him - as I've said before he has NO idea what's about to happen - and his whole world is going to be different.. forever!  He tells me that he is excited about sharing his trains with his baby sister and taking her to the beach!

30 week quiz:
How far along: 30 weeks 1 day! 
Weight gain: maybe up 23 pounds or so - I will know for sure tomorrow after my DR visit 
New maternity clothes: nope. 
New baby items: I bought her a very soft, pretty blanket at Toys.R.Us - it was on clearance!! 
Stretch marks: yes, oh well - part of having a baby I guess! 
Sleep: oh man I cannot get enough sleep - I actually went to bed at 9 p.m. the other night and it felt SO good!!  I've been sleeping farily well through the night - minus my 2-3 trips to the potty. 
Best moment of the week: feeling Gummy Bear's hiccups for the first time on Sunday night and finding out that I do NOT have gestational diabetes!! 
Food cravings: still really craving Texas.Roadhouse - I even signed up for their emails so I could get some coupons :o)  [Maybe Steven and I can have a date night before the baby comes and we can go there for dinner..mmmmmm]  I'm also really enjoying ice lately - chopped ice is the best!!

Gender: Girl :o) 
Labor signs: braxton hicks contractions have become more uncomfortable - I'm going to talk to the doctor about them tomorrow because they were never this painful when I was pregnant with Gavin - I'm sure it's nothing but I'd just like to know for sure! 
Belly button in or out: starting to come out a little - it's completely out when I sit down! 
What I miss: having energy, running, sleeping on my tummy, getting up from the floor without feeling like a 95 year old lady, being able to shave my legs without any discomfort! 
What I'm looking forward to: taking Gavin to a pumpkin patch this weekend, maybe planning a date night in the next month or so, getting closer to Gabrielle's arrival!! 
Weekly wisdom: "Children learn what they live." 
Milestones: Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds, like a head of cabbage. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)  -- what's funny about this is I actually have 20/400 vision, which means I am legally blind without any corrective lenses - so Gabrielle and I will have that in common :o)  *Hopefully not for long though - I pray she has her daddy's perfect vision!

 

 

 

 

 

belly growth!

I decided I wanted to put together all my weekly belly shots into a "collage" but it wasn't as easy as I thought.. I can't find a good website to use so these will have to do for now!  It's so neat to see the changes.. [I really wish I would have thought to do this when I was pregnant with Gavin]